Chapter 249: Chapter 249 Crown (1)
Alina chuckled softly, shaking her head as she watched Boo zooming in clumsy circles, wiggling in the air like he was already warming up for a dance battle.
"Looks like I don’t even have to tell them the schedule," Alina muttered to herself, a soft laugh slipping past her lips. "Or maybe... they only memorized PE."
She followed them out into the kindergarten garden, where the afternoon sun spilled golden light across the grass. The little ones scattered instantly, each diving into their own idea of fun.
It was too cute—especially Luna, who had shifted into her fluffy wolf pup form and was rolling around in the grass like the happiest little ball of fur. She kicked her legs, wiggled her ears, and tumbled down a small slope, yipping with joy before scrambling back up again.
Nearby, Drake was trying to race Vlad Jr., though Vlad ran with such princely elegance that it looked less like running and more like a fashion show. Boo floated overhead, twirling and chanting, "Boo wins everything! Boo is champion!" while Kelpie splashed water into tiny fountains and laughed whenever droplets landed on Rocky’s nose, making him pout and turn into a rock to hide.
And Felix was sitting under the shade of a tall tree, his white fox tails swishing lazily in the grass like soft ribbons. In that moment, he looked ethereal, his fur catching bits of sunlight that filtered through the branches. Lucien leaned comfortably against him, crimson eyes half-closed, enjoying the quiet company as if Felix’s steady presence calmed him.
Not far away, little Sable was sitting by a bush, his small hands busy plucking tiny wildflowers and collecting them in a little bundle. His shadows shifted faintly on the ground, but they seemed to dance happily rather than curl nervously, reflecting the joy on his face. He was humming to himself softly, his tiny legs swinging as if the earth beneath him had become his own secret kingdom.
Alina’s heart warmed at the sight. The scene was so peaceful, so different from the chaos of their usual play. She walked quietly over to him and lowered herself onto the grass beside him. Sable turned his head, his cheeks round and pink, and offered her the brightest, most innocent smile.
"You’re so happy?" Alina asked, resting her chin in her palm as she watched his little hands.
"Y-yes..." Sable nodded quickly, his voice trembling with excitement. "Because Principal Dante gave me space in his home... I am not alone anymore." His words were simple, but they carried such weight, such pure happiness, that Alina felt her throat tighten.
"Really?" Her eyes widened, and before she could stop herself, a happy laugh escaped her. She couldn’t resist—she reached out and pulled him gently into a little side hug.
Sable melted instantly. He loved hugs—no, he lived for them. And a hug from his teacher, warm and soft, made his whole heart glow. His tiny arms clutched her side as if he wanted to stay like that forever.
"Then let’s make something special for you," Alina said after a moment, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Let’s make a crown for Sable!"
"A crown?" His small voice rose in wonder, his eyes growing round.
"Yes, a crown," Alina said with a conspiratorial grin. "You find me strong grass and the prettiest flowers you can. I’ll do the weaving."
Sable gasped, nodded so hard his little horns wobbled, and scampered into the grass. His hands darted everywhere, plucking blades of sturdy grass and colorful petals with such seriousness it looked as though he were gathering royal jewels. "Here! This one is strong! And this flower is so pretty!" he said, his voice bubbling with excitement as he handed them to her one by one.
Alina laughed softly, her fingers moving skillfully as she began weaving the crown. Sable crouched right in front of her, his small body leaning so close she could see every flicker of curiosity in his wide eyes. He watched her every movement, mesmerized, his little mouth slightly open as though he were witnessing actual magic.
At last, Alina tied the final knot and lifted the little crown of flowers and grass. "Alright... done!" she announced.
Sable’s eyes sparkled as she carefully placed it on his head. For a heartbeat, he sat perfectly still, his small hands rising to touch it. Then his lips parted in wonder. To him, it wasn’t just a crown, it was proof he was special, that someone cared enough to make him something so beautiful.
He looked up at Alina with shining eyes, as if he had just seen the most magical thing in the world. "It’s... mine?" he whispered, his voice trembling between disbelief and joy.
Alina smiled, brushing his soft hair away from his forehead. "Of course, it’s yours, sweetheart. Every prince deserves a crown."
Sable’s little face broke into the widest smile, and he clutched the crown with both hands as though he would never let it go. His tiny heart was full to the brim with happiness.
Meanwhile, Luna’s golden eyes narrowed from across the garden. She watched her teacher laughing softly with sable. Her little claws flexed against the grass. Why was Sable the only one getting such special treatment? Why not her? Her chest burned with a feeling she didn’t quite understand—half jealousy, half longing.
With a determined huff, she padded straight toward them, her paws thudding against the grass. Alina was startled when a ball of gray fluff suddenly flopped right against her thigh.
"Luna?" Alina blinked, surprised, and reached down to stroke her soft fur. The sunlight caught on her wolf coat, making it shine, and for a moment Luna looked even more beautiful than the crown itself.
Luna, however, only let out a low growl, burying her face against Alina’s lap as if to stake her claim. Her tail wagged furiously despite the annoyed expression on her face.
Alina chuckled. "Ohhh... I see. Someone else wants attention too."
Sable tilted his head, confused. But when he saw Luna lift her head from Alina’s lap and fix him with a narrow-eyed golden glare, he clutched his crown tighter, as if she might snatch it away.